4 players who need a move to go to the World Cup

I don’t always agree with Alan Shearer, but there’s one thing he said that really struck me (in a good way). He talked about the January transfer window before a World Cup. Players who are just outside of their national teams, and aren’t getting enough playing time. He argued teams should look to make a move for these players, as they are as motivated as they’ll ever be to prove they should represent their country. Fantastic point. To piggyback off of that, here are four of those players clubs should be looking to get this January.

1. Kevin Gameiro

It’s easy to forget, but Kevin Gameiro is a really good striker. Rapid pace, deceptively strong for such a small player, and a real poacher. Atlético Madrid signed him from Sevilla in 2016 for 30 million euro’s, and he had a great first season, scoring 12 and assisting five in La Liga (that might not seem like much, but he had a great year, trust me). He earned five caps since his time at Atléti, but lately he has been left out of the France-squad, as he’s been demoted to impact-sub this season at Atléti. With France probably being the most stacked national team in the world, Gameiro needs to shine bright to make a chance to earn a ticket to Russia next summer.

Who should sign him?

Who needs pace in their side, as well as a proven striker? Everton, more than anyone. I’m not sure Gameiro would be keen for this move, but it would fit both sides perfectly. Gameiro would have a guaranteed starting spot on a team that would thrive with his presence. Everton are massively underperforming because of their lack of pace and lack of goalscoring, and those are are Kevin’s bread ánd his butter.

2. Lucas Moura

You could say the same for Ángel Di Maria and Julian Draxler, but I think they’ll still be in their respective national teams, even though they’re currently warming the PSG bench. Lucas Moura is an incredibly gifted player. His dribbling is unbelievable, and he’s as quick as they come. His end product has quietly gotten better the last few years. Last season I think he really proved that he’s matured as a player, and that he’s ready to be a star-man for someone. Brazil currently have a great attack without Lucas, and won’t select him if nothing changes. However, I think he can easily get into the side, should he get a move and play every week.

Who should sign him?

He’s currently rumoured to move to AC Milan in january, and that could potentially work. He’d have to switch wings from right to left and become an inverted winger, but I can’t see why he couldn’t do it. Last season was his best goalscoring season ever, scoring 19. Milan are currently in a slump, and pace and trickery in the final third is scarce for the Rossoneri. Signing the Brazilian will definitely spark some life into Milan’s attack, as they currently struggle to score goals. Expect Lucas to score many Raheem Sterling-esque far post tap-ins.

3. Michy Batshuayi

Michy Batshuayi is still in the Belgium squad, but I’m not so sure he’ll be there next summer. At the striker position, Lukaku is a lock. Mertens plays upfront at Napoli but on the left wing for Belgium, so I won’t count him. Divock Origi (wisely) got a loan to Wolfsburg, where he’s been playing well. He’s pretty much on the plane to Russia as well. So there’s one more striker spot at best. It’ll most likely be between Batshuayi and Christian Benteke. Batshuayi is the better striker of the two, no doubt, but he rarely starts games, and Benteke does. And Chelsea were looking for an extra striker this summer already, which means Batshuayi might get even more competition, and less minutes. He needs a move if he wants to make sure he gets on that plane to Russia.

Who should sign him?

It’s unlikely, but I think Southampton could be the perfect environment for Batshuayi to thrive. The Saints have three strikers, but none of them have proven to be reliable goalscorers. Manolo Gabbiadini is a scorer of great goals, but not a great goalscorer. Shane Long is Shane Long, and Charlie Austin can’t stay on the pitch. The fact that Southampton have three strikers on the books though, probably means they don’t want to loan or buy another. However, I’m a strong believer that Bathshuayi would thrive with Dusan Tadic, the league’s most underrated playmaker, behind him, and Nathan Redmond on the wing providing width.

4. Jack Wilshere

Look, if Jake Livermore is starting for England and Jack Cork gets called up, the bar is obviously not very high. Jack Wilshere is way more talented than both of them. He’ll never fulfill the potential people once thought he had, but he’s still a very capable central midfielder. He has great take-on ability and good vision. A good player to get the ball into the final third, or to spray passes in the final third. The king of the pre-assist. However, he won’t go to Russia as things are, as just playing in Europa League and some irrelevant cup ties is not enough. Jack Wilshere’s career at Arsenal must come to an end, if he wants in on some World Cup action.

Who should sign him?

I would love to see Wilshere go to Newcastle. This is under the assumption that Rafa Benitez won’t leave in January though, which isn’t set in stone. I think a midfield three of Merino, Shelvey and Wilshere could be successful. Wilshere would be further up the pitch, creating in the final third, with Shelvey and Merino behind him recycling possession and handing him over the ball with their top passing. His fiery, heart on his sleeve kind of mentality is a perfect match for the Newcastle fans, who love nothing more than a hard worker. They desperately need a talent-injection in that side. Rafa Benitez is a great coach, but not a miracle worker.